Don't rush Labour leader contest

Last week Labour lost. The British public had lost their faith in us. This verdict is damning, but it is something we must face. It is now absolutely crucial that the party thinks long and hard about how it renews and transforms itself in the years ahead. But to understand how we win again, we must be certain we know why we lost. The forthcoming Labour leadership contest (Who chooses?, 13 May) is an essential opportunity for the party to do just that. If it is turned into a quick-fire beauty contest it would be a massive mistake and a hugely wasted opportunity. This time we have to get both the substance and the style right; the public won't accept anything less.

We cannot afford to rush, and there is no need to. The Tories and Lib Dems have locked themselves into a deadly embrace of pain and cuts before they can hope for any improvement in the polls. With a 77-seat majority, this is likely to be a five-year term. So first we need an inquest, not just into the campaign, but the last 13 years, with an open and honest appraisal of what worked and what didn't. Then and only then should a full-scale leadership contest begin.

In this way the next few months will be the start of the process of successful renewal. We can open up the party, to reconnect with the millions of progressive-minded voters across the country, potentially recruiting hundreds of thousands of new people to Labour's cause. But to do this effectively in the forthcoming debate we must abide by the mantra of "respect, empower and include". We have a massive opportunity to rebuild, renew and transform the Labour party – we cannot afford to waste it.

Neal Lawson, Compass

Gavin Hayes, Compass

Tony Robinson, actor & broadcaster

Chuka Umunna MP

Baroness Helena Kennedy QC

Noel Hatch, Compass Youth

Gerry Morrissey, BECTU

Sam Tarry, Young Labour

Will Straw, Left Foot Forward

Alex Smith, LabourList

Sunder Katwala, The Fabian Society

Sunny Hundal, Liberal Conspiracy

Paul Hackett, The Smith Institute

Andrew Gray, Harrogate& Knaresborough CLP

Steve Elliott, GrimsbyCLP

Edith Hughes, Bridgend CLP

Charles King, Croydon South CLP

John Knowles, PeterboroughCLP

Marilyn Freeman, Somerton & Frome CLP

• It is distressing for all those wanting a serious, thoughtful analysis of the future role of the Labour party before any decisions about the leadership are made to hear that David Miliband has rushed to put himself forward. It is essential that members have the opportunity to think carefully about what the party should stand for, and what principles and policies should be pursued. This process should not be hijacked by ambitious young men (mostly) who self-evidently do not see the need to listen to the membership or engage in the discussions that are the necessary basis for rebuilding the democratic and progressive project that all on the left and centre-left now yearn for.

Gillian Dalley

London

• Seumas Milne (No new era, 13 May) will no doubt be the first of many pontificating Guardian columnists and leader writers telling us who to choose as the new Labour leader. Given the Guardian's disastrous election, how about minding your own business?